Mercer gets Jordan

20 Sep 1990

JOE Jordan, the Bristol City manager, confirmed yesterday that he is to take over at Hearts in succession to Alex MacDonald.

The move is subject to both clubs agreeing a financial settlement.

Wallace Mercer, the chairman of Hearts, refused to be drawn on the question of compensation.

In a brief statement, he expressed delight that he had secured the man at the top of his wanted list.

"Obviously, we're pleased, but don't want to make any statement until tomorrow," said Mercer.

"I don't want to be drawn on any talk of compensation at this stage."

Earlier this summer the 38-year-old former Manchester United, Leeds, and Scotland striker, now rated one of the most promising young managers in the game, turned down the chance to take over as Graham Taylor's successor at Aston Villa.

City are expected to want at least £100,000 in compensation for Jordan, who only recently put his name to a three-year contract.

The Bristol City board issued a statement, saying: "It was a surprise to us all when we were informed by Joe that he had decided to join Hearts and leave, what we consider to be, a potential promotion team here at Ashton Gate.

"The club will release Mr Jordan from his contract subject to satisfactory compensation being agreed between the two parties."

Jordan joined City as a player from Southampton during the 1986-87 season and was promoted to player-coach the following season.

He succeeded Terry Cooper as manager in March, 1988, and immediately led the club to the third division promotion play-offs, where they were beaten.

The next year, City reached the Littlewoods Cup semi-finals, and last season Jordan led them to promotion as runners-up in the third division behind neighbours Bristol Rovers.

City vice-chairman Leslie Kew said the club were very disappointed to be losing Jordan.

"We realise there is no point in keeping a manager who wants to go elsewhere.

Joe is very ambitious and Hearts are a big club," he said.

Jordan, who won 52 caps as a swashbuckling centre forward for Scotland, will be hoping to put his European experience to good use at Tynecastle.

He travelled with the Scotland team to Italy for the World Cup as an advisor, having spent part of his career there as a player with AC Milan and Verona.

City's assistant manager, Jimmy Lumsden, has agreed to take over as caretaker for the next month.

Taken from the Herald